Testimonials

Dameon Jones is a single parent seeking a better life for himself and his son. He has been a participant in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) on and off since 1999. At that time, “angry” and “anti-social” were the adjectives that best described him. Despite the fact that he was raised well, he consistently made unacceptable choices. He ended up with a criminal record and a generally negative outlook towards himself and others. His immediate reaction to any adversity was to blame others for his own misfortunes.

After years of making the wrong choices, Dameon’s life began to turn around when he gained legal custody of his 9 year-old son. Dameon says he knows the moment he gained custody, he became his son’s “superhero,” and that going forward, he’d have to get serious about his responsibilities as a father.

Dameon knew it wouldn’t be easy. He was going to have to work hard to overcome multiple barriers to employment. Poor anger management, poor parenting skills, chemical dependencies, lack of transportation and housing, and financial illiteracy were all obstacles Dameon would need to work to overcome. He also had to address the detainer against him and the suspension of his driver’s license.

Through the Minneapolis Urban League’s MFIP program, Dameon was referred to a chemical dependency program and parenting classes, both of which he completed. He also enrolled in the MUL financial literacy classes and completed life training skills through the African-American Men Project, an initiative that helps equip African-American men to become better role models and fathers.

The MUL subsequently referred him to Goodwill Easter Seals, where he completed training in Basic Construction and earned certification for successful completion of conflict resolution classes. To resolve the issue of his suspended driver’s license, he was assigned to community service, some of which he fulfilled through various construction projects throughout the MUL buildings.

Though making strides, Dameon found himself in his 58th month with MFIP and still unemployed. Because of his inability to cover rent, he found himself homeless. His employment counselor at MUL referred him to the LEAP Program, where he quickly found gainful employment with a healthy hourly wage. The Leap Program assisted him in getting his union dues paid as well. Additionally, through the Emerge Program for Housing, Dameon secured a residence.

After facing these daunting challenges, Dameon has now become self-sufficient, residing in a nice, 2 bedroom apartment with steady employment and a healthy wage. Having achieved his short term goals, Dameon now is looking into building his own home.

Dameon is one of many people who has found the keys to a Gateway to Opportunity. If you or someone you know has a Gateway story, please share it with us.